SC takes strict action on journalists being beaten up, issues notice to government; demands response
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Supreme Court has expressed strong displeasure over the assault on journalists reporting on sand mafia in Madhya Pradesh at a police station. The apex court has issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh government on this incident and sought a reply.
A bench of Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma has sent a notice to the Madhya Pradesh government, agreeing to hear the petition filed by journalists Shashikant Goyal and Amarkant Singh Chauhan. The petitioners' lawyer had appealed to the court to provide interim protection from arrest to his clients. On this, the bench said that first the other party should be allowed to respond and the state government should also get an opportunity to present facts in this case. The court has issued notice on the petition and fixed the date of next hearing on June 9.
It is worth noting that on May 28, the Delhi High Court had provided security to journalist Amarkant Chauhan. Chauhan had claimed in his petition that the Superintendent of Police of Bhind had allegedly beaten him, due to which his life was in danger. The High Court had directed the Delhi Police to provide security to Chauhan for two months. There is a lot of anger among journalists and civil society regarding this incident and now this move of the Supreme Court has raised hopes of justice for the victims.